Thin Film Tunable Dielectrics for Microwave Applications

"The objective of the proposed SBIR Phase II proposal is to provide a major advance in the development of polymer thin film ferroelectrics for microwave device applications. In the Phase I program, we have demonstrated a 50% change in the dielectricconstant at 1.0 V bias voltage applied, a significant improvement in device performance compared to competing barium strontium titanate based devices which took a voltage of 30 V or higher to produce the same 50% change in dielectric constant. Inaddition, the manufacturing methods for the polymer devices we have developed (spin, dip or spray coating) lend themselves to low-cost volume manufacturing without the need for high vacuum systems. In the proposed Phase II program, the successful resultsof the Phase I program will serve as the basis for the development of a new class of microwave components. In particular, we will design, fabricate and test novel varactors and phase shifters. Phase III commercialization funding for establishinglarge-scale manufacturing facilities has been pledged by a major high technology military/commercial partner."